EP035/#1039 How Tunisian young adult patients following breast cancer live their disease experience?

Objectives

Young adult patients may confront breast cancer differently because of expectations in life and future planning. We aimed to investigate the experience of young adult patients in the Tunisian context.

Methods

Patients aged 20 to 40 years treated for breast cancer regardless of stage (n=62) were asked to complete a questionnaire in April 2022. The survey included items about: socioeconomic conditions, coping strategies, sexuality, body image and future life projects.

Results

Mean age was 35 years old [26–40]. Eight patients (12%) were under 30. Twenty-nine patients (46%) felt less physically attractive. Negative impact on sexuality was revealed by 21 patients (34%). Thirty patients (48%) reported less self- confidence. Fear of infertility was described by 33 patients (53%). Thirty-nine (63%) patients asked ‘Why Me God ?’. Forty-one patients (66%) thought about stopping treatment. Twenty-five patients (40%) consulted a psychiatrist or desired to consult. Feeling less physically attractive impacted negatively on sexuality (OR: 0.068 [0.016–0.269]) and self-confidence (OR: 3.8 [1.32–10.89]). Spiritual practice (prayer) had positive impact on self-confidence (OR: 0.14 [0.28–0.72]). Sixteen (25%) patients stopped planifying for future (marriage , children bearing, buying a property ) which was impacted by less self-confidence (OR 4.94[1.37–17]), fear of infertility (OR: 3.75 [1.04–13.4]) and negative sexuality impact (OR : 1.87 [1.34–2.61]).

Conclusions

Breast cancer impacts on self-confidence , future life perception and sexuality of young adult Tunisian who need personalized psychological care.